Dear Abby: Who should give the thank-you?

ABBY, UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE

Published
5:30 am CDT, Monday, June 1, 2009

Dear Abby:

I work as an administrative assistant for a company. Each year we invite several “high-level” customers to attend the Kentucky Derby. We spare no expense on this event, paying for hotels, track tickets, food, drinks, limos, etc. for three full days.

Last year, my boss told me he was “disappointed” I had not thought of sending thank-you notes to our guests after the event. He felt we should thank them for taking time to visit us.

I say that after three days of running myself silly behind the scenes, the thank-you notes should come from them. Your opinion, please.

— WHO THANKS WHO in Kentucky

Dear Who Thanks Who:

I understand your frustration because no one wants to be taken for granted, but you are confusing business etiquette with social etiquette. Your boss isn’t entertaining those people because he likes them. He is doing it so they will return the favor by doing business with his company.

So please do what he says and start writing. A form letter, individually prepared for each client, should do the trick. Each one should be a signed original expressing the sentiments your boss would like to have conveyed.

Dear Abby:

I have been dating “Mary” for 18 months, and I was starting to fall for her until she informed me she has a serious gambling problem. She has maxed out her credit cards and has no money left in savings. Until this point, Mary had given me the impression that I could trust her and she was in control of her life.

I am in shock that she misrepresented herself. She said she didn’t want to lose me. She says that even though we’re not married, every relationship has its ups and downs, and a piece of paper should not define commitment.

Abby, given the circumstances, do you feel this is someone I can trust? My gut tells me buyer beware.

— ON THE FENCE in Nevada

Dear On the Fence:

Has Mary made any effort to seek help for her gambling problem? If the answer is no — and I suspect it is — then listen to your gut. Listen to your head. And if you have any doubt that they’re leading you in the right direction, listen to what your lawyer and accountant have to say about the risk of pursuing this relationship further.